Ryan Deckert, the president of the Oregon Business Association and a former state senator, on Monday, said he's decided against plunging into the Democratic primary race facing Rep. David Wu, D-Ore.

In an email to members of his group's board of directors, Deckert said:

"After a great deal of thought and
consideration, I have decided against running for the first congressional
district seat. I had three areas of consideration: family, my current position
with OBA, and the dynamics of a congressional race. I enjoyed this last weekend
with my wife and three daughters (though sunshine would be nice). I have a
great job that I like and I do feel certain that other good, credible candidates
will join the race for the 1st CD in the coming
months."

Deckert reportedly would have had to leave his job to make the race, and the politics of a race for the seat would have been tough. Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian is already challenging Wu and other potential candidates are looking at the seat.

Several analysts have noted that the more candidates who enter the race, the better the odds for Wu, the incumbent. Wu has become vulnerable to a primary challenge following reports that top aides sought to have him hospitalized for psychiatric treatment last year.